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05 diciembre

'tis the season...


I'm really starting to get into a holiday mood. I feel many Americans lose sight of the spirit of Christmas, and instead get wrapped up in a consumer-frenzy. I want, I need, buy me this, buy me that. Ugh.

In recent years, instead of buying gifts my friends and family probably don't need, I have
found ways to make my gift giving guilt-free. Two years ago I gave my family gifts from the World Vision catalog. Last year I bought everyone tickets to theater and comedy shows, so that they could enjoy an evening out. This year I am going with a different theme. Below is the letter I wrote to my family this year regarding the holidays.

Dear Family,

My goal this year it to make this a green Christmas. In order to ease my guilt about colossal wastefulness that goes on during the holidays in this country, I will make an attempt to use my money this season in a way that will promote a healthier planet and less waste.

Therefore, my family, you can expect some non-traditional gift items from me. I hope you will also find  a way to make my Christmas green too.

Here are some of the ways I have found to shop greener this holiday season:

For some family members I have bought a gift certificate for Green Dimes. For a $15 donation they will put a hold on your paper junk mail and plant a tree in your name. I am also making contributions to Kiva.org, a wonderful organization that helps bring donors and developing world entrepreneurs together. My money goes  to improving the planet and also to helping those less fortunate than me. Those are gifts that make me feel warm and fuzzy inside.